Mayawati,CEC differ on ‘criminal’ candidates

The chief minister welcomed the idea of framing laws to stop criminalisation of politics,but said the law should not leave any scope for misuse.

Mayawati was speaking at the Regional Consultation for Electoral Reforms which was organised jointly by the Election Commission of India and the Union Law Ministry at Dr B R Ambedkar Auditorium in Lucknow on Sunday. Quraishi and Union Law Minister M Veerappa Moily were present at the event.

This is the first time since she became the chief minister in 2007 that Mayawati spoke from a non-BSP stage.

Earlier,the CEC expressed his concern over criminalisation of politics and appreciated Mayawati for her reported decision to deny ticket to criminals in elections.

Terming the ECI’s decision to seek opinion on electoral reforms a commendable step,the CM said there was a need to ban exit and opinion polls which tended to influence the electorate. “The logic behind such polls is that it is freedom of expression. But this is freedom of misinformation,” Mayawati said.

She also underlined the need for reviewing the current anti-defection law. “If any MP or MLA joins another party,he should contest the election again,” the CM said.

Mayawati said the national president of any political party should be empowered to recommend to EC cancellation of the membership of MPs and MLAs who change party. After disqualification,the EC should immediately undertake the exercise to hold elections in their constituencies.

Favouring the idea of state funding of elections,she said it would also help in curbing criminalisation of politics. However,the CEC described the idea of state funding a “dangerous suggestion”.

Highlighting various issues related to electoral reforms,the CEC suggested that there should be a ban on transfer of employees six months before and after elections in any state. He also sought suggestions on developing a system to safeguard officers who are victimised after elections despite good work.

Quraishi also underlined the need for empowering the ECI to de-register political parties. “We can register a political party,but we cannot de-register it,” he said.

Referring to corruption during the poll process,the CEC said there was a suggestion to stop door-to-door campaigning 48 hours before the polls.

He favoured rationalisation of ceiling on election expenditure and ban on paid news.

Moily highlighted the interest of illiterate persons in the country’s democratic process.